Home » Joburg Flood Update: Hundreds Lost Homes. Video of Devastation. Storm Alert.

Joburg Flood Update: Hundreds Lost Homes. Video of Devastation. Storm Alert.

GAUTENG – The City of Johannesburg says it is working around the clock to help communities that were affected by the flash floods – leaving hundreds homeless – in South Africa Wednesday 09 November 2016, whilst the possible threat of more heavy rainfall with hail and strong winds is forecast for this afternoon. A young child is still […]

By SAPeople
10-11-16 17:12
in Eish!

GAUTENG – The City of Johannesburg says it is working around the clock to help communities that were affected by the flash floods – leaving hundreds homeless – in South Africa Wednesday 09 November 2016, whilst the possible threat of more heavy rainfall with hail and strong winds is forecast for this afternoon. A young child is still missing in hard-hit Alexandra and a video revealing the devastation in the area has been released (please see below).

searching-for-missing-girl-joburg-floods
Police and rescuers have been searching for a missing girl in Alexandra. Photo source: City of Joburg EMS

SA Weather Service Alert for Gauteng

UPDATES: SA Weather Service issued a Warning: “10 Nov: Severe thunderstorms possible over Emfuleni and Midvaal moving north. 14:00 – 21:00. Heavy rain, flash floods, hail, winds“

Warning: Westonarea, Randfontein – 15:00-21:00 expect thunderstorms, heavy rain; large hail; damaging winds

People in low-lying areas are urged to be extra careful and avoid low-lying bridges. Those on the road should turn around and go to a safe place until the water has subsided.

Please listen to radio for weather alerts. If advised to evacuate by emergency services, do so immediately. Report  all emergencies to 10177 /112

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Death Toll from Wednesday’s Flooding

The death toll following Wednesday’s flash floods, which washed across Jozi and Ekurhuleni, now stands at six. Flooding was reported in areas like Alexandra, Midrand, Bedfordview, Bryanston, Sandton, Edenvale and Johannesburg central. A three-year-old girl is missing in Alexandra and the search is still underway.

Disaster Relief

City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba says the relevant departments and entities are currently on the ground providing disaster response services.

“Our teams have been working throughout the night providing assistance to the most vulnerable in our city,” Mashaba said on Thursday.

The city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) team is providing emergency medical care, as well as search and rescue services.

The Disaster Management team is facilitating temporary accommodation and relief supplies to victims, while Social Development, with the help of NGOs and provincial government, is handing out blankets and food parcels to those who have lost their belongings.

The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) is now assessing the damage to infrastructure, clearing debris, silt and other obstructions on roads, bridges and storm water drainage systems.

Mayor Mashaba lamented that the poorest residents are worst affected during natural disasters, something that must be urgently addressed.

“I will be visiting Alexandra, which has been one of the worst affected areas following the flash floods. It has been reported that close to 200 families lost their homes in Setswetla alone.”

Please see details below if you’d like to contribute to donations of food, clothing, blankets or money.

Response to Criticism of City’s Storm Water Systems and Drainage

The Mayor said the flash floods were beyond the capacity of the city’s storm water systems.

“Unfortunately, any severe storm or flash flooding that occurs will result in isolated flooding, as the road infrastructure is not designed for these severities. However, I wish to assure the public that JRA is working tirelessly to resolve blockages and repair faulty traffic lights resulting from the flash flood.”

Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers have also been deployed to assist with traffic control at affected intersections.

Rainfall Recorded in Gauteng, OR Tambo Airport and Vaal Dam:

Despite the massive downpour of rain in Joburg and the East Rand on Wednesday – 16.5mm of rain according to Gauteng Weather (21mm in Springs and 8mm Joburg), there was not as much rainfall as hoped over the Vaal area – 6mm over 24 hours – with little change to the Vaal Dam water level. Rand Water said that the levels were at 26.3% on Monday and had only risen to 26.4% yesterday (Wednesday).

OR Tambo international airport received 89.6mm in approximately three hours during yesterday’s storm.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

View pictures of Johannesburg Floods, 09 November 2016 – #JoburgFloods, flooding in Jozi, South Africa